Napa could also be deemed the G.O.A.T. for American wine nation, however there are many much less crowded and extra genuine experiences than, say, Napa’s tacky wine practice and touristy costs.
In reality, Napa was named the costliest U.S. vacation spot in 2018 and has discovered itself taking part in hopscotch on the identical record ever since.
While vacationers could consider Hollywood, paradisal seashores, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo with regards to vacationing in Southern California, there is a metropolis brimming with posh chateaus and glamorous tasting rooms for a jam-packed wine nation weekend.
But enterprise inland away from the coast and you will find Temecula, Southern California’s “Napa” —and it is solely an hour away from quite a few main airports.
Plus, the neighboring city of Murrieta is sneaking up in its shadow as one in all California’s up-and-coming hotspots, so you may by no means run out of issues to do.
Travel + Leisure Names Temecula As Top California Getaway
Between wildflower blooms, gleaming seashores, and astounding nationwide parks, Temecula was an enormous shock to crack the highest 5 locations to go to within the Golden State.
Travel + Leisure topped Yosemite as the very best, however a couple of slots down Temecula beat out such locations as Santa Monica, Lake Tahoe, Santa Barbara, and even San Diego, which is usually the most well-liked springboard to get right here.
What did not make the ‘high 25′ record is Napa, however there have been a handful of different wine getaways named behind Temecula, together with Healdsburg (uhh, the place?) and San Luis Obispo, one other up-and-comer price noting.
As for Temecula, I had the pleasure of visiting for the primary time in December and by no means felt extra ashamed that I’ve been sleeping on this treasure trove of luxe wineries and picturesque streets of Old Town simply an hour from house.
Lavish Wineries & Beyond: What To Do In Temecula
Visiting Old Town Temecula is a should. This rustic, village-like area of city is a far cry from the brilliant lights of Hollywood simply an hour and quarter-hour away (with out L.A.’s headache-inducing site visitors, after all).
Here you may discover a mix of breweries, boutique retailers, cozy wineries, and historic inns lining the old-timey streets of Temecula’s vibrant townscape.
But do not permit your self to sit down right here on a barstool all weekend; Temecula’s backroads are calling. This is the place you may discover a number of the most lavish wineries and trip leases, a few of that are spitting pictures of French chateaus.
One of the very best methods to enterprise out into Temecula’s rolling hills and sprawl of vineyards is by reserving a wine tour. Plus, you do not have to fret about overpaying for Ubers or assigning a delegated driver.
Who desires to spit out the wine anyway? Maybe the “hawk tuah” woman?
TripAdvisor ranks these 3 tour operators as the very best in Temecula:
Grapeline Wine Tours
SoCal Wine Tours
Poppin’ Wine Tours
When visiting Temecula, one attraction I used to be informed I could not miss by a number of locals is Temecula’s widespread scorching air balloon rides.
While trying down at Earth as if it is an ant farm is not personally one thing I get pleasure from since I favor sky-high views from window seats, among the best occasions held right here this spring is the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival slated for June 20 – 22, 2025 — simply in time earlier than Temecula’s insufferable 100-plus diploma days within the coronary heart of summer season.
Sorry, Travel + Leisure! I Believe Murrieta Is The Place To Be
Murrieta is a small unsuspecting city, but provides laid-back luxurious and the identical rustic appeal in its personal downtown district albeit a pint-sized model.
While not providing the identical wineries Temecula has within the scenic countryside, Murrieta does have a handful of it is personal wine bars and wineries the place you may nonetheless sip Temecula’s award-winning native blends comparable to Altisima’s 2021 Petit Verdot.
Additionally, my favourite side of Murrieta is a double whammy — a revamped scorching springs resort with one in all my favourite eating places I’ve had in years, and it is new too.
Formerly a celeb-hotspot many years in the past, finally turning into a Bible faculty, and finally a resort once more, newly-relaunched Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is a should for the final word stress-free getaway and it is seemingly hidden in plain sight off proper off I-15 and a stone’s throw from quite a few Temecula gems.
Pools are open 24/7. Better but, the resort is providing 50% poolside cabanas and a free Day Pass in your birthday, a standard loophole for individuals who wish to get pleasure from all of the well being advantages of the spa and geothermal springs with out the hefty in a single day fee.
But the final word prize is Talia Kitchen, not solely the resort’s trendiest restaurant however a vacation spot unto itself for all of SoCal.
Need a brand new date night time spot? Talia Kitchen is well worth the day-trip journey from L.A., Orange County, and San Diego simply to seize a bit to eat of sensational, meticulously-crafted dishes and a powerful record of regional wines.
For what it is price, Travel + Leisure recommends staying at Temecula’s The New Inn.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.